Year in Review: After a batting-average-fueled “comeback” in 2008 renewed hopes that he was finally living up to his potential as a former MVP in Japan, Kaz fell off once more in 2009, thanks to a 41-point drop in BABIP. He set career highs in games played (132) and homers (9) – numbers so low that they help illustrate his career. With little power, little propensity to walk, below-average fielding, frequent injuries, and a .250 batting average, Matsui was the worst starting second baseman in baseball in 2009. His only positive was his ability to steal bases at a high percentage, but he stole just 19 last year, hardly enough to make a difference.

The Year Ahead: Matsui is basically the definition of a replacement player, with a WAR between 0.1 and 0.5 in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2009. Other than a seemingly anomalous 13.5 UZR in 2007, he’s been near- or below-average in the field every other year, as well. His nine DL trips in six years suggest that he’ll probably be on the shelf some time in 2010. Expect 15-20 steals, single-digit homers, an ISO around .100, and an OPS south of .700. What this should suggest to you is that you should avoid Matsui in all formats (especially mixed leagues) unless you’re desperate for cheap steals. (Alex Remington)